The Inaugural iTICKET Zony Awards 2016

iTICKET has an enduring and genuine connection to Theatre and The Performing Arts, in fact, it was the original impetus for starting the business. Twelve years ago in 2004, co-founder Reece Preston was involved in his local community theatre and witnessed first-hand that the theatre and its customers, needed more support and better systems, to help sell tickets. iTICKET was born.

Since then, we’ve held the performance industry close to our hearts and strongly believe in supporting the country’s performing arts industry in all its forms, including community theatres and societies.

We have a close working relationship with Musical Theatre New Zealand (MTNZ); a non-profit umbrella organisation for groups associated with Musical Theatre nationwide.

Originally formed in 1960, they are a centralised resource for information and ideas. Their goal is to foster and encourage the development and commitment to the highest standards of excellence in production, health and safety, management, governance, community relations and service.

We recognise MTNZ as an exceptional organisation and are proud to support them as Gold Partners for their annual National Conference and Volunteer Training Weekend, hosted in one the five zones that are spread across the North and South Islands.

Across these zones, three areas have been holding annual awards ceremonies to recognise their member organisation’s Musical Theatre productions throughout the year.

In the Northern Area (Zone 1) the NAPTAs have been running since 2001, with iTICKET proudly sponsoring their award for Best Musical since 2007.

Southland area (Zone 5) have been holding the OSTAs since 2013 and we were excited to come on board last year, as sponsor for the Best Upcoming New Talent Scholarship and Best Direction Award.

This year marked the inaugural occasion for the Central North Island area (Zone 2), with the iTICKET Zony Awards at the Clarence Street Theatre in Hamilton in September. We were privileged to be able to support the Zonys as the official naming sponsor and we know they will become another much-loved and rewarding event for MTNZ’s members.

Four of the iTICKET team attended the inaugural iTICKET Zony Awards hosted by MC Justine Allen. Co-founder Phil Jobbins and New Business Manager Kate Ward-Smythe were pleased to present six of the winning nominees with their awards. Featuring fabulous entertainment by performers from across the Central North Zone, including some incredible MTNZ NextGen talent, the evening was a great success thanks to the incredible work of Zone 2, led by their Rep Ngaire Holmes. A huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners on the night and here’s to many more to come.